Many states have made significant investments in trail and active transportation planning to guide and coordinate the development of their trail networks. When actively used, these plans can guide strategic investments, unlock funding opportunities, and foster cross-agency collaboration, turning vision into reality.  In this session, our presenters shared strategies for creating comprehensive plans, building partnerships, […]

The Maryland State Transportation Trails Strategic Plan has been developed collaboratively by the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, state agency partners, stakeholders, and the public to strengthen the transportation trails network across the state, guide project selection for shared use paths, and offer municipalities and trail advocates tools to overcome common […]

Railbanking, established in 1983 as an amendment to the National Trails System Act, is the foundational law making possible thousands of miles of rail-trails nationwide. Recently, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would effectively destroy the viability of railbanking going forward, resulting in fragmented and lost corridors—and poses a threat […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the third in a series of deep […]

Rails-with-trails, which are trails located adjacent to active rail lines, are valuable assets in providing safe transportation networks for pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2013, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy produced a report that examines the characteristics of 88 existing rails-with-trails in 33 states, based on a survey of trail managers and the results of RTC’s ongoing study. America’s Rails-with-Trails provides […]

RTC’s Railbanking Sign-On Letter in opposition to H.R. 4924, the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act Rails to Trails Conservancy recently led a national sign-on letter in opposition to H.R. 4924, the “Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act,” legislation that poses an existential threat to America’s rail-trails. The letter to the leadership of the House […]

The Arizona 2025 Trails Plan guides the acquisition, development, management, and resource allocation for both non-motorized and motorized trails throughout Arizona. It also helps determine the distribution of grant funding from the federal non-motorized and motorized Recreational Trails Program, the state’s Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation (OHV) Fund and Heritage Funds for non-motorized trails. ASPT must update […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the second in a series of deep […]

This document provides guidance for designing a unified, consistent trail to create a positive user experience. Guidelines specific to the Bay Trail are intended to help agencies and other implementation partners respond to the varied contexts and challenges along the trail, as well as the many types of trail users. A lot has changed since […]

Executive Summary The Great American Rail-Trail Vision Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from across the country. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]